The original truths about the earliest experiences of statehood in Central Asia

Ancient Khorezm is not only a part of the past but also the source of statehood traditions across the entire region of Central Asia. In the museum exposition of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, this civilization’s path of urban development, governance, and spiritual progress is presented on a scholarly basis through archaeological findings and written sources.

In understanding the formation of statehood traditions in Central Asia, the civilization of Ancient Khorezm holds particular significance. Archaeological and written sources show that the economic, administrative, and cultural life of society in this region developed in a systematic manner from very early periods. By the first millennium BCE, a sedentary lifestyle, irrigated agriculture, and urban culture had already taken shape in the Khorezm oasis.

These historical processes are presented in a comprehensive and scholarly manner in the “Ancient Khorezm Civilization” exposition, organized within the “Pre-Islamic Period” section of the museum of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. Covering the historical development that took place in the regions of Khorezm, Sogdiana, and Bactria during the pre-Islamic period, the exposition reveals the early civilizational environment formed in the region.

Through the archaeological artifacts displayed in the exposition, it is possible to imagine the daily life of ancient society, methods of production, craftsmanship, and trade relations. The materials presented demonstrate that this development was not accidental, but rather the result of long-term social experience and environmental influences.

The natural and geographical conditions of the Khorezm oasis also played an important role in the development of civilization. Fertile lands in the basins of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya created favorable conditions for human activity and laid the foundation for the development of agriculture, settlements, and centers of craftsmanship.

One of the monuments occupying a special place in the exposition is Koykirilganqala. Discovered in the 1930s, this monument stands out from other fortresses due to its architectural design. The fortress was not only a defensive structure, but also held significance as a scientific and spiritual center reflecting the ancient population’s worldview, astronomical observations, and understanding of the universe.

In addition, the exposition features a model of Tuproqqala, one of the key administrative centers of the Ancient Khorezm state. Written documents discovered at this site make it possible to draw precise scholarly conclusions about state governance, accounting systems, and administrative practices.

Another important aspect of the exposition is the materials related to writing culture. Scholarly research indicates that a local writing system, formed on the basis of Aramaic writing traditions, existed in the Khorezm region as early as the before common era. This allows Khorezm to be regarded as one of the earliest centers of alphabetic culture in the region.

Mirsodiq Iskhakov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor:

“The economic and administrative systems formed in Ancient Khorezm demonstrate the early establishment of statehood. Monuments such as Koykirilganqala and Tuproqqala confirm that urban planning, military architecture, and governance thought developed in this region as an integrated whole.”

The exposition also includes pre-Islamic coins, jewelry, beads, and objects made from various mineral stones. These exhibits vividly reflect the aesthetic taste, material culture, and level of social stratification of ancient society.

In conclusion, through this exposition, the place of Ancient Khorezm not only in the history of Central Asia but also in the history of world civilization is clearly demonstrated.